WO2013109844A1

WO2013109844A1 - Carton and blank for forming the same

Info

Publication number: WO2013109844A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/022085
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Michel Auclair
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc
Priority date: 2012-01-20
Filing date: 2013-01-18
Publication date: 2013-07-25
Also published as: TW201341276A; GB201200952D0

Abstract

An carton comprising one or more engaging structure (50, 150, 250, 360, 450) for packaging one or more articles (A), a locking mechanism for securing two panels (12, 24; 112, 124; 212, 224; 312, 324; 414, 424) of the carton together and a blank (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for forming the carton wherein the carton and blank are adapted for accommodating articles at least a first article having a first dimension or a second article having a second dimension greater or lesser than the first dimension.

Description

CARTON AND BLANK FOR FORMING THE SAME

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of UK Patent Application No. 1200952.8, filed January 20, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carton and to a blank for forming a carton, more specifically, but not exclusively to a carton adapted to accommodate articles of different dimensions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers, such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

It is desirable to provide a carton which may be adapted to accommodate articles of different dimensions.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention seek to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an article heel engagement structure for a carton comprising a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to one another; the structure comprising at least a first tab struck, in part, from the first panel and in part from the second panel, the first tab being hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a first fold line, the first tab comprising two or more fold lines, in use the first tab is folded about the hinged connection to the first and second panels to overlay therewith, the first tab being folded at one, or more, of the fold lines defined therein dependent upon the dimensions of an article being received in the structure.

Preferably, there comprises a second tab hingedly connected by a second fold line to each of the first and second panels and foldable in opposition to the first tab.

The first panel may be hingedly connected to the second panel by two or more spaced apart fold lines, each pair of spaced apart fold lines defining at least in part a panel portion therebetween, and the structure comprising a cut line interrupting the first or second fold line hingedly connecting the first or second tab to the first and second panels, such that the first or second tab is free of connection from the/or each panel portion disposed between the two or more spaced apart fold lines.

Preferably, the first fold line, coupling the first tab to the first and second panels, is nonlinear. In some embodiments the cut line is non-linear.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton comprising the article heel engagement structure described hereinabove and at least a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to one another by at least two or more fold lines, which fold lines are spaced apart from one another and define at least one floating panel portion therebetween, wherein dependent upon the dimensions of the articles to be packaged the/or each floating panel portion may form part of one of the first or second panels.

Preferably, the article heel engagement structure is struck at least in part from the/or each floating panel portion. Optionally, the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by at least three spaced apart, substantially parallel fold lines, wherein each pair of adjacent fold lines defines, in part, a floating bevel panel wherein the pair of adjacent fold lines about which the carton is folded, whereby defining a bevel panel disposed between the first and second panels, is dependent upon a dimension of an article to be packaged.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a complimentary locking mechanism, comprising a first part and a second part, the first locking panel comprising a tab and the second locking panel comprising an aperture, the aperture being adapted to receive the tab, wherein the tab comprises a plurality of shoulders, the tab comprising a plurality of fold lines for defining a plurality of locking locations. Preferably, the aperture is defined by a second tab hingedly connected to the second panel in use the second tab being disposed in engagement with the first tab for securing the first tab in position, the location of which the second tab engages the first tab being dependent upon the selected locking location. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton comprising the complimentary locking mechanism described herein above and wherein the first tab is folded at one of the plurality of locking locations wherein defining the extent of overlap between the first locking panel and the second locking panel. Preferably, the carton further comprises a first panel hingedly connected to a second panel by at least two or more fold lines, which fold lines are spaced apart from one another and defines two or more folding locations wherein the carton is folded about one of the two or more folding locations dependent upon the dimension of the articles to be packaged.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an article receiving structure for receiving an upper portion of an article comprising an aperture structure, at least in part, from a side panel and, at least in part, from a top panel hingedly connected to the side panel, the structure also comprising at least a first tab and a second tab hingedly connected to the top panel, the first and second tab being severably coupled to one another, wherein the first and second tabs may be disposed in a first configuration substantially in the plane of the top panel so as to accommodate articles of a first type and alternatively the first and second tabs may be disposed in a second configuration in which the first and second tabs are separated from one another and folded out of the plane of the top panel about a hinged connection thereto.

Preferably, the first and second tabs are hingedly connected to the top panel about a first and second fold line respectively, the first and second fold lines being disposed divergently with respect to one another. Preferably, the first and/or second tabs comprise a fold line, which fold line is arranged to be divergent with respect to a fold line hingedly connecting the top panel to the side panel.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton comprising the article receiving structure described herein above.

Preferably, the first and/or second tabs are disposed, at least in part, by a second cut line in the top panel, which cut line is interrupted by one or more nick portions which severably connect the first and/or second tab to the tab panel, the one or nick portions being severed depending upon the dimension of the article being received.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an article spacer structure comprising at least a first panel and a second panel, the structure comprising a first flap hinged along a first edge to the first panel and along a second opposing edge to a second flap, which second flap is hinged to the first flap along a first edge and also hinged to the second panel along a second opposing edge thereof, the first and second flaps being displaceble inwardly of the first and second panels to form a spacer structure between a pair of second panels to form a spacer structure between a pair of adjacent articles, the extent of the inward displacement being dependent upon the dimension of the pair of adjacent articles. According to a eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton comprising article spacer structure described herein above the spacer structure being defined in a top panel and adjacent side panel. Preferably, the carton further comprises a base panel and a second side panel which together with the top panel and a first side panel forms a tubular structure for receiving a plurality of articles, the carton comprising at least one further article spacer structure struck from the top panel and first side wall and at least two article spacer structures struck from the top panel and the second side panel, the spacer structures struck in part from the first side panel being disposed in opposition to those struck in part from the second side panel, the spacer structures struck in part from the first side panel being spaced apart from one another and the spacer structures struck in part from the second side panel being spaced apart from one another such that each pair of adjacent spacer structure may accommodate an article therebetween.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton comprising at least a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to one another by at least two or more fold lines, which fold lines are spaced apart from one another and define at least one floating panel portion therebetween, wherein the carton is folded about one of the at least two or more fold lines dependent upon the dimensions of the articles to be packaged and wherein the/or each floating panel portion may form part of one of the first or second panels. Embodiments of the present invention provide a carton and a blank adaptable to package at least a first article having a first dimension or a second article having a second dimension greater or lesser than the first dimension.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view from below of a portion of a carton formed from Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view from above of an internal portion of a carton formed from Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 4A is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 4B is a view of a portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 4A;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view from below of a portion of the a carton formed from the blank of Figure 4A;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view from above of an internal portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 4A;

FIGURE 7A is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 7B is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of Figure 7A;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view from below of a portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 7A;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged view from above of an internal portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 7A;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view from above of an upper portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 7A;

FIGURE 1 1 is a plan view from above of a blank according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 1 1A is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of Figure 1 1 ; FIGURE 12 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 1 and a group of first articles;

FIGURE 13 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 1 and a group of second articles;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view from above of a package comprising a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 1 and a group of third articles;

FIGURE 15 is a perspective view from above of a plurality of packages comprising a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 1 each package accommodating articles of different dimensions;

FIGURE 16 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 17 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 16;

FIGURE 18 is an enlarged view from below of a portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 16 in a first locking position;

FIGURE 19 is an enlarged perspective view of an internal portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 16 in the locking position of Figure 18;

FIGURE 20 is an enlarged view from below of a portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 16 in a second locking position; and

FIGURE 21 is an enlarged perspective view of an internal portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 16 in the locking position of Figure 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT

INVENTION

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to FIGURE 1 there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton for packaging one or more primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles.

Blank 10 comprises a series of main panels hinged one to the next, the main panels comprising a first base panel 12 hinged to a first lower side panel 14 by a first fold line 13A or a second fold line 13B. First and second fold lines 13A, 13B are spaced apart from one another and substantially parallel to one another and define, at least in part, a first floating panel; which first floating panel may form part of the first base panel 17 or the first lower side panel 14. First lower side panel 14 is hinged to first upper side panel 16 by a third fold line 15. A top panel 18 is hingedly connected to first upper side panel 16 by a fourth fold line 17. Top panel 18 is hingedly connected to second upper side panel 20 by a fifth fold line 19. A second lower side panel 22 is hinged to second upper side panel 20 by a sixth fold line 21 .

Second lower side panel 22 is hingedly connected to a second base panel 24 by a seventh fold line 23A or an eighth fold line 23B. Seventh and eighth fold lines 23A, 23B are spaced apart from one another, and substantially parallel to one another. Seventh and eighth fold lines 23A, 23B define, at least in part, a second floating panel portion disposed therebetween. Top panel 18 comprises a pair of tabs foldable to form apertures so as to create a carrying handle H.

First base panel 12 comprises a first part 30A, 30B of a complementary locking mechanism.

Second base panel 24 comprises a second part 32A, 32B of a complementary locking mechanism. The blank 10 comprises an article heel engagement structure 50. In the embodiment illustrated six article heel engagement structures 50; three article heel engagement structures 50 are struck in part from the first base panel 12 and in part from the first lower side panel 14. Three article heel engagement structures 50 are struck, in part, from the second base panel 24 and struck, in part, from the second lower side panel 22.

The article heel engagement structures 50 are also struck in part from a respective one of the first or second floating panel portions.

Blank 10 comprises an upper article engagement structure 70. In the illustrated embodiment the blank 10 comprises six such upper article engagement structures 70.

The article heel engagement structures 50 comprise an aperture 54 for receiving a heel portion of an article. Each article heel engagement structure 50 also comprises a first tab 52A and a second tab 52B; the first and second tabs 52A, 52B are struck, in part, from material forming the first or second lower side panels 14, 22 and in part from material forming the first or second base panels 12, 24. Each of the first or second tabs 52A, 52B are hingedly connected to the respective first or second lower side panels by a fold line 58. Each of the first or second tabs 52A, 52B are hingedly connected to a respective one of the first or second base panels 12, 24 by a fold line 60. Fold line 58 and fold line 60 are substantially co-linear and are separated by a cut line or weakened line of severance 56. In the embodiment of Figure 1 the cut line 56 is arcuate or non-linear, preferably substantially "W" shaped. Outline 56 is defined in part in the respective first or second lower side panels 14, 22 and in part in the respective first or second base panels 12, 24.

Outline 56 is arranged to be substantially transverse to the first and second or seventh and eighth fold lines 13A, 13B; 23A, 23B.

Each of the first or second tabs 52A, 52B comprise a plurality of fold lines, or cut lines 62A, 62B, 62C for defining a fold line.

Each first part 30A, 30B of the complementary locking mechanism comprises a tab hingedly connected to and struck from the first base panel 12. The blank 10 is provided with two different complementary locking mechanisms, a first, major, locking mechanism 30A 32A and a second, minor locking mechanism 30B/32B. The major locking mechanism 30A 32A comprises a major first part 30A including a major tab 34A. The major tab 34A comprises a plurality of fold lines 38. Side edges of the major tab 34A are serrated or 'saw toothed' so as to form a plurality of recesses and shoulders 36A each recess capable of receiving a portion of the second base panel 24.

The minor locking mechanism 30B/32B comprises minor tabs hinged to the first base panel 12, and struck therefrom. The minor tabs comprise only one serrated or 'saw toothed' side edge; the other side edge being straight. In the illustrated embodiment the serrated edge is disposed inner most of the blank 10, in other embodiment other arrangements are envisaged. The minor tabs are smaller in dimension than the major tabs 34A; fold lines 38 have been omitted. The major locking mechanism 30A 32A also comprises a major second part 32A, which includes a second major tab 40A hingedly connected to, and struck from, the second base panel 24. The second major tab 40A defines an aperture in the second base panel 24 for receiving the first major tab 34A.

The major second part 32A also comprises a cut line 42A disposed on opposing sides of the second major tab 40A and struck from material forming the second base panel 24 which is disposed on opposing sides of the second major tab 40A.

Minor locking mechanism 30B/32B comprises a second minor tab 40B hingedly connected to, and struck from, the second base panel 24. The hinged connection between the second minor tab 40B and the second base panel 24 may be defined in part by a cut line 46B. In alternative embodiments cut line 46B may be omitted or replaced by a fold or score line.

Each upper article engagement structure 70 comprises an aperture 72 for receiving a portion of an article. Aperture 72 is, in part, struck from a respective one of the first or second upper side panels 16, 20 and in part from the top panel 18.

Aperture 72 is shaped such that a portion of the respective upper side panel 16, 20 forms a tab 78 extending from an upper portion of the aperture 72 which tab 78 in use is disposed over one portion of an article.

A pair of tabs 74, 76 are disposed on opposing sides of aperture 72, a first tab 74 is hinged to the respective upper side panel 16, 20 by a fold line 73; a second tab 76 is hinged to a respective side panel 16, 20 by a fold line 75. Turning now to Figures 2 and 3, there is illustrated the article heel engagement structure 50 of the blank of Figure 1 in a set up condition; the articles have been removed for clarity. Figure 2 illustrates the article heel engagement structure 50 when viewed externally of the carton. First and second tabs 52A, 52B are folded internally, as indicated by direction arrows D1 , D2, of the carton so as to be in overlaying relationship with the respective side panel 14, 22 or base panel 12, 24 to which they are hinged. Cut lines 62A, 62B, 62C provide that the first and second tabs 52A, 52B may fold in one of a plurality of positions so as to accommodate articles of different dimension, in particular articles having different height or diameter dimensions.

Depending upon the height, or width, of the articles being packaged by the carton the carton folds about either, the first and eighth fold lines 13A, 23B or the second and seventh fold lines 13B, 23A.

When folded about the first and eighth fold lines 13A, 23B the first and second floating panel portions form a part of the respective one of the lower side panel 14, 22, when the carton folds about the second and seventh fold lines 13B, 23A the first and second floating panel portions form part of the respective one of the first or second base panels 12, 24.

When the carton is folded about first and eighth fold lines 13A, 23B so as to accommodate a taller, or narrower articles, the first and second tabs 52A, 52B or the article heel engagement structures 50 fold about fold line 62C and optionally also about fold line 62B to receive the heel of an article.

When the carton is receiving a shorter or wider article, the carton folds about fold lines 13B, 23B, in such configuration it will be appreciated that the first and second base panels 12, 29 may overlap with one another to a greater extent than when accommodating taller dimensioned articles. In this configuration the first and second tabs 52A, 52B of the article heel engagement structures 50 fold about fold lines 62A, 62B so as to receive a heel of an article. Depending upon the dimensions of the articles being packaged the second floating panel portion 57, defined in part by fold lines 23A and 23B, may form a part of either the second lower side panel 22 or the second base panel 24.

Referring now to Figures 4A to 9 and 1 1A to 17 there is shown alternative embodiments of the present invention. In the second and third illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100" or "200" and so on to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and 10, 18 to 20 will be described in any greater detail.

Figures 4A illustrates a plan view of a blank 1 10 for forming a carton according to a second embodiment. Blank 1 10 comprises an article heel engagement structure 150 which is shown in an enlarged view in Figure 4B.

A first base panel 1 12 is hinged to the first lower side panel 1 14 by one of three fold lines, first fold line 1 13A, second fold line 1 13B or third fold line 1 13C.

First fold line 1 13A is spaced from and parallel to second fold line 1 13B; second fold line is spaced from and parallel to third fold line 1 13C. First and second fold lines 1 13A, 1 13B define, in part, a first panel portion therebetween, second and third fold lines 1 13B, 1 13C define, in part a second panel portion therebetween. A second base panel 124 is hingedly connected to a second lower side panel 122 by one of three fold lines fourth fold line 123A, fifth fold line 123B or sixth fold line 123C.

Fourth fold line 123A is spaced from and parallel to fifth fold line 123B; fifth fold line 123B is spaced from and parallel to sixth fold line 123C.

Fourth and fifth fold lines 123A, 123B define, in part, a third panel portion 157A therebetween; fifth and sixth fold lines 123B, 123C define, in part, a fourth panel portion 157B therebetween.

The carton when assembled into a package may be folded at either the first and sixth fold lines 1 13A, 123C; the second and fifth fold lines 1 13B, 123B or the third and fourth fold lines 1 13C, 123B depending upon the physical dimensions of the articles being packaged. Third and fourth panel portions 157A, 157B may form part of the second lower side panel 122 or the second base panel 124 depending upon the dimension of the articles being packaged.

First and second panel portions may form part of the first lower side panel 174 or the first base panel 1 12.

In some embodiments one of the third or fourth panel portions 157A, 157B may form a bevelled panel disposed between the second lower side panel 122 and the second base panel 124. Likewise, one of the first or second panel portions may form a bevelled panel, the other forming a part of the first lower side panel 1 12 or first base panel 1 12.

Turning now to the article heel engagement structure 150, which comprises a first tab 152A and a second tab 152B separated by a cut line or weakened line of severance 182. First and second tabs 152A, 152B are also defined in part by a cut line arranged perpendicularly to, and disposed at one, lower, end of the cut line 182. The article heel engagement structure 150 comprises an aperture 180 disposed at an end of each of the first and second tabs 152A, 152B which end is opposite another end defined by the perpendicular cut line 182.

First and second tabs 152A, 152B are each hingedly connected to a respective one of the first or second lower side panels 1 14, 122 by a fold line 156. First and second tabs 152A, 152B are each hingedly connected to the respective one of the first or second base panels 1 12, 124 by a fold line 160.

The first and second tabs 152A, 152B are separated from the first, second, third and fourth panel portions disposed between fold line 1 13A, 123A and fold line 173C, 123C, by a cut line or weakened line of severance 156. Optionally, cut line 156 is arcuate in shape. In this embodiment the fold line 158 and fold line 160 are not co-linear but rather are arranged to be convergent towards cut line 156.

Each of the first and second tabs 152A, 152B comprises three cut lines 162A, 162B, 162C which define, in part, a fold line in the respective first or second tabs 152A, 152B. In alternative embodiments a fold line or score line may replace the cut lines 162A, 162B or 162C.

Turning now to Figures 5 and 6, there is illustrated the article heel engagement structure 150 of the blank of Figure 4A in a set up condition; the articles have been removed for clarity.

Figure 5 illustrates the article heel engagement structure 150 when viewed externally of the carton. First and second tabs 152A, 152B are folded internally of the carton so as to be in overlaying relationship with the respective side panel 1 14,122 or base panel 1 12, 124 to which they are hinged. Cut lines 162A, 162B, 162C provide that the first and second tabs 152A, 152B may fold in a plurality of positions so as to accommodate articles of different dimension, in particular articles having different height or diameter dimensions.

Depending upon the height, or width, of the articles being packaged by the carton, the carton folds about either, first and sixth fold lines 1 13A 123C or second and fifth fold lines 1 13B, 123A, or the third and fourth fold lines 1 13C, 123A. When the carton is folded about first and eighth fold lines 1 13A, 123C so as to accommodate a taller, or narrower article, the first and second tabs 52A, 52B fold about fold line 62C and optionally also about fold line 62B to receive the heel of an article.

When the carton is receiving a shorter or wider article, the carton may fold about second and fifth fold lines 1 13B, 123B or third and fourth fold lines 1 13C, 123A, in such configuration it will be appreciated that the first and second base panels may overlap with one another to a greater extent than when accommodating taller dimension articles. In this configuration the first and second tabs 152A, 152B fold about fold line 162B and/or about fold line 162A so as to receive a heel of an article. Depending upon the dimensions of the articles being packaged the third and fourth panel portions 157A, 157B defined, in part, by fold lines 123A, 123B or 123C may form a part of either the second lower side panel 122 or the second base panel 124.

Figures 7A illustrates a plan view of a blank 210 for forming a carton according to a third embodiment.

Blank 210 comprises an article heel engagement structure 250 which is shown in an enlarged view in Figure 7B. A first base panel 212 is hinged to the first lower side panel 214 by one of three fold lines, first fold line 213A, second fold line 213B or third fold line 213C. A second base panel 224 is hingedly connected to a second lower side panel 222 by one of three fold lines further fold line 223A, fifth fold line 223B or sixth fold line 223C. Fourth fold line 223A is spaced from and parallel to fifth fold line 223B; fifth fold line 223B is spaced from and parallel to sixth fold line 223C.

Fourth and fifth fold lines 223A, 223B define in part a first panel 257A therebetween; fifth and sixth fold lines 223B, 223C define in part a second panel 257B therebetween.

The carton when assembled into a package may fold at either the first and sixth fold lines 213A, 223C; the second and fifth fold lines 213B, 223B or the third and fourth fold lines 213C, 223B depending upon the physical dimensions of the articles being packaged. First and second panels 257A, 257B may form part of the second lower side panel 222 or the second base panel 224 depending upon the dimension of the articles being packaged.

In some embodiments one of the first or second panels 257A, 257B may form a bevelled panel disposed between the second lower side panel 222 and the second base panel 224.

Turning now to the article heel engagement structure 250, which comprises a first tab 252A and a second tab 252B separated by a cut line or weakened line of severance 282.

First and second tabs 252A, 252B are also defined in part by a cut line arranged perpendicularly to and disposed at one, lower, end of the cut line 282.

The article heel engagement structure 250 comprises an aperture 280 disposed at an end of each of the first and second tabs 252A, 252B which end is opposite the end defined by the perpendicular cut line 282. First and second tabs 252A, 252B are each hingedly connected to a respective one of the first or second lower side panels 214, 222 by a fold line 256. First and second tabs 252A, 252B are each hingedly connected to the respective one of the first or second base panels 212, 224 by a fold line 260.

The first and second tabs 252A, 252B are separated from the panel portions disposed between fold line 213A, 223A and fold line 213C, 223C by a cut line or weakened line of severance 256.

Optionally, cut line 256 is linear in shape. In this embodiment the fold line 258 and fold line 260 are not co-linear but rather are arranged to be convergent towards cut line 256.

Cut line 256 is co-linear with fold line 158, it may in alternative embodiments be co- linear with fold lines 160 or may not be co-linear with either fold line 158 or fold line 160.

Each of the first and second tabs 252A, 252B comprises three cut lines 262A, 262B, 262C which define in part a fold line in the respective first or second tabs 252A, 252B. In alternative embodiments a fold line or score line may replace the cut lines 262A, 262B or 262C.

Turning now to Figures 8 and 9, there is illustrated the article heel engagement structure 250of the blank of Figure 7A in a set up condition; the articles have been removed for clarity.

Figure 8 illustrates the article heel engagement structure 250 when viewed externally of the carton. First and second tabs 252A, 252B are folded internally of the carton so as to be in overlaying relationship with the respective side panel 214, 222 or base panel 212, 224 to which they are hinged. Cut lines 262A, 262B, 262C provide that the first and second tabs 252A, 252B may fold in a plurality of positions so as to accommodate articles of different dimension, in particular articles having different height dimensions. Depending upon the height, or width of the articles being packaged by the carton, the carton folds about either, first and sixth fold lines 213A 223C, second and fifth fold lines 213B, 223B or third and fourth fold lines 213C, 223A.

The first and second tabs 52A, 52B may fold about one of the fold lines 62A, 62B so as to receive a heel of an article, which fold line or fold lines about which the first and second tabs fold will be dependent upon the size of the article or articles being packaged.

Depending upon the dimensions of the articles being packaged the panel 257A, 257B defined, in part, by fold lines 223A and 223B or fold lines 223B and 223C may form a part of either the second lower side panel 222 or the second base panel 224.

It will be noted that cut line 256 in this embodiment is linear. Optionally, the cut line is co-linear with fold line 158 as illustrated in Figure 7A, 7B. In alternative embodiments it may be co-linear with fold line 160 or may be disposed at an angular relationship to both fold lines 158 and 160 so as to be convergent or divergently arranged to both fold line 158 and fold line 160.

Turning now to Figure 10 there is illustrated an upper portion of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ; upper portions of the carton formed from the blanks of either Figure 4A or 7A would appear similar.

Articles A have been received in the upper article engagement structures 70, such that a portion of an article A protrudes though each respective aperture 72. Tab 78 is disposed over a crown cork C which forms an article closure. First tab 74 and second tab 76 have been displaced from the plane of the upper side panel 20 by insertion of the article A into the aperture 72. The amount by which the first tab 74 and second tab 76 are displaced from the upper side panel 20 will be dependent upon the dimension, in particular but not exclusively the diameter of the article being received.

First and second tabs 74, 76 fit in close proximity to the article A. First and second tabs 74, 76 press against an adjacent portion of the respective article A by virtue of the natural resistance of the material forming the carton, this is encouraged by the shape of the fold lines 73, 75 which each comprise a first and second linear portion disposed divergently with respect to one another; in alternative embodiments alternative shapes are envisaged, for example more than two liner portions may be provided or the fold lines 73, 75 may comprise an arcuate shape. Turning now to Figure 1 1 and Figure 1 1A there is illustrated a blank 310 for forming a carton according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

The blank 310 comprises an upper article engagement structure 390. The article engagement structure 390 comprises an aperture 392 struck, in part, from a respective one of the first and second upper side panels 316, 320, and in part from the top panel 318.

Each upper article engagement structure 390 comprises a first tab 394A and second tab 394B hingedly connected to the first or second upper side panel 316, 320 by respective fold lines 393A, 393B; fold lines 393A, 393B are non linear in shape.

Each article engagement structure 390 also comprises a first top tab 396A and second top tab 396B. Each of the first and second top tabs 396A, 396B is hingedly connected to the top panel 318. The first and second top tabs 396A, 396B are separated from one another by a cut line 398; cut line 398 is interrupted by a nick portion 399, which connects the first top tab 396A to the second top tab 396B. The nick portion 399 is severable to separate the first and second top tabs 396A, 396B from one another.

Each of the first and second top tabs 396A, 396B comprises a cut line 395A, 395B respectively. Cut lines 395A, 395B define, in part, a respective fold line. Figures 12, 13 and 14 each illustrate a package formed from a blank as illustrated in Figure 1 1 .

In the package P of Figure 12 the carton packages a group of six articles A of a first dimension. The articles A engage with the upper article engagement structure 390; the first and second top tabs 396A, 396B are disposed over a respective article closure C such as a crown cork. The first and second top tabs 396A, 396B remain in the plane of the top panel 318.

In the package P illustrated in Figure 13, the carton packages a group of articles A of a second dimension. The articles A are larger than the articles being packaged in Figure 12. In the packages P, the articles A protrudes through the respective panel side 316, 320 and top panel 318.

The first and second top tabs 396A, 396B are displaced out of the plane of the top panel 318 such that the upper most portions of the articles A are disposed at an elevation higher than that of the top panel 318. The first and second tabs 374, 376 are displaced from the respective side panel 316, 320 so as to receive a neck portion of an article A.

In the package P illustrated in Figure 14, the carton packages articles of greater height dimension than those in the package of Figure 12 or 13. The neck portion of articles A protrude through the aperture created by displacement of the first and second tabs 374, 376 and the first and second top tabs 396A, 396B.

Figure 15 illustrates four packages P1 , P2, P3, and P4 each comprising a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 1 and six articles. The articles in each of the packages P1 , P2, P3, P4 are of different dimensions, the carton adapts to accommodate the articles, each of the blanks used to package the articles in each of the packages P1 , P2, P3, P4 are identical in design and dimension. Turning now to Figure 16, there is illustrated a blank 410 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, there is shown a blank 410 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, there is shown a blank 410 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The blank 410 comprises an article cushioning structure comprising a pair of flaps 472, 474 hingedly connected to one another by a fold line 473.

A first flap 472 is struck, in part, from the top panel 418 and, in part from a respective one of the upper side panels 416, 420. The first flap 472 is hingedly connected to the top panel 418 by a fold line 471 . A second flap 474 is struck from a respective one of the upper side walls and is hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 475.

The first and second flaps 472, 474 are also defined, in part, by cut lines 476, 478; in an alternative embodiment, cut lines 476, 478 may be replaced with weakened lines of severance. Blank 410 comprises four major article cushioning structures and four minor article cushioning structures. Two major and two minor article cushioning structures are struck from the top panel 418 and the first upper side panel 416; two major and two minor article cushioning structures are struck from the top panel 418 and the second upper side panel 420 in opposition to those struck in part from the first upper side panel 416. Each minor article cushioning structure is disposed at an end of a tubular structure formed when the blank 410 is wrapped about a group of articles A, such that a free end edge of the blank 410 forms an end edge of the flaps 472, 474 forming one of the minor article cushioning structure. In use the flaps 472, 474 may be folded so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another and also to the respective panel of the carton P to which they are hingedly connected. This has the effect of giving the first and/or second upper side panels 416, 420 a castellated shape when the carton P is packaging articles. The flaps 472, 474 displaced inwardly of the carton P such that a first pair of flaps 472, 474 are disposed on a first side of an article and a second pair of flaps 472, 474, are disposed on a second side of the article, which second side substantially opposed the first side; in this way the articles A are locked in place.

When the carton P is receiving articles A having a larger diameter, the flaps 472, 474 may be displaced inwardly of the carton P by a lesser extent; the flaps 472, 474 may not be substantially perpendicular with respect to one another. The flap 472 may be displaced inwardly of the carton until it abuts with an article A disposed adjacent thereto.

Referring now to Figures 18 to 21 there is illustrated an enlarged view of the base of a carton comprising the locking mechanism of the blank of Figure 1 in a set up condition. In Figures 18 and 19 the locking mechanism is in a first configuration in which the first and second base panels 12, 24 are in an overlapping relationship to a lesser extent than when in a second configuration illustrated in Figures 20 and 21 . The major tab 34A comprises four fold lines 38 such that the major tab 34A can be folded at one of four locations corresponding to a fold line 38. The fold lines 38 are parallel to each other and spaced apart from one another. A first fold line 38 is disposed in closer proximity to a free end edge of the first base panel 12, than a second fold line 38 which in turn is disposed in closer proximity to the free end edge of the first base panel 12 than a third fold line 38. Third fold line 38 is disposed closer to the free end edge of the first base panel than the fourth fold line 38.

When the major tab 34A is folded about the fourth fold line 38, as illustrated in Figures 20, 21 ; the first and second base panels 12, 24 overlap with one another to a greater extent than when the major tab 34A is folded about the second fold line 38, as illustrated in Figures 18 and 19.

Figures 19 and 21 illustrate an internal view of a carton in which the locking mechanism is in a locked condition, the articles have been removed for clarity. It can be seen that the second major tab 32A has been displaced from the plane of the second base panel 24 and rests against an outer surface of the first major tab 34A.

The first major and minor tabs 34A, 34B each comprise a respective shoulder portion 36A, 36B which is wider than the aperture in the second base panel 24 created by displacement of the respective one of the second major or minor tabs 32A, 32B. These shoulder portions prevent the first major or minor tabs 32A, 32B from being unintentionally disengaged from the second base panel 24.

It is envisaged that the carton can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing shape. It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1 . An article heel engagement structure for a carton which includes a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to one another; the heel engagement structure comprising at least a first tab struck in part from the first panel and in part from the second panel, the first tab being hingedly connected to the first and second panels by a first hinged connection, the first tab comprising two or more fold lines, in use the first tab is folded about the first hinged connection to overlay with the first and second panels, the first tab being folded about at least one of the two or more fold lines depending on the dimensions of an article being received in the heel engagement structure.

2. The article heel engagement structure of claim 1 , further comprising a second tab hingedly connected by a second hinged connection to the first and second panels and foldable to a position opposed to the first tab.

3. The article heel engagement structure of claims 1 or 2 wherein the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel by two or more spaced juxtaposed fold lines, each of the juxtaposed fold lines and an adjacent one of the juxtaposed fold lines defining at least in part a panel portion therebetween, and the heel engagement structure further comprising a cut line interrupting the first hinged connection and/or the second hinged connection such that the first tab and/or the second tab is substantially free of connection to each panel portion.

4. The article heel engagement structure of claims 1 to 3 wherein the first hinged connection, coupling the first tab to the first and second panels, is non-linear.

5. The article heel engagement structure of claim 3 wherein the cut line is nonlinear.

6. A carton comprising the article heel engagement structure of any of claims 3 to 5 wherein dependent upon the dimensions of the articles to be packaged, the or each floating panel portion may form part of one of the first and second panels.

7. The carton of claim 6 wherein the article heel engagement structure is struck at least in part from the/or each floating panel portion.

8. The carton according to either of claims 6 or 7 wherein the two or more juxtaposed fold lines comprise at least three juxtaposed fold lines, and wherein the pair of adjacent juxtaposed fold lines about which the carton is folded to define a bevelled panel portion between the first and second panels is selected dependent upon a dimension of an article to be packaged.

9. A complimentary locking mechanism, comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising a first tab and the second part comprising an aperture, the aperture being adapted to receive the first tab, wherein the first tab comprises a plurality of shoulders and a plurality of fold lines for defining a plurality of locking locations.

10. A complementary locking mechanism according to claim 9 wherein the aperture is defined by a second tab, the second tab being disposed in engagement with the first tab for securing the first tab in position, the location at which the second tab engages the first tab being selected dependent upon the selected locking location.

1 1 .A carton comprising the locking mechanism according to either of claims 9 or 10 wherein the carton comprises a first panel and second panel interconnected by the locking mechanism, the first tab being formed from the first panel, the second tab being formed from the second panel, and wherein the first tab is folded at one of the locking locations, which defines the extent of overlap between the first and second panels.

12. The carton of claim 1 1 wherein the carton further comprises a third panel hingedly connected to one of the first and second panels by at least two or more fold lines, the at least two or more fold lines are spaced apart from, and juxtaposed with, one another and define two or more folding locations, wherein the carton is folded about one of the two or more folding locations dependent upon the dimension of the articles to be packaged.

13. An article receiving structure for use in a carton to receive an upper portion of an article, the receiving structure comprising apertures each formed at least in part from a side panel of the carton and at least in part from a top panel of the carton, the top panel being hingedly connected to the side panel, the receiving structure also comprising at least a first tab and a second tab hingedly connected to the top panel, the first and second tab being severably coupled to one another, wherein the first and second tabs may be disposed in a first configuration in which the first and second tabs are coupled together and substantially in the plane of the top panel so as to accommodate articles of a first type and alternatively the first and second tabs may be disposed in a second configuration in which the first and second tabs are separated from one another and folded out of the plane of the top panel about a hinged connection to the top panel.

14. The article receiving structure according to claim 13 wherein the first and second tabs are hingedly connected to the top panel about a first and second fold lines respectively, the first and second fold lines being disposed divergently with respect to one another.

15. The article receiving structure according to claims 13 or 14 wherein the first and/or second tabs comprise a fold line that is arranged to be divergent with respect to a fold line hingedly connecting the top panel to the side panel.

16. A carton comprising the article receiving structure of any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The carton according to claim 16 wherein the first and/or second tabs are separated, at least in part, by a cut line therebetween, the cut line is interrupted by one or more nick portions which severably connect the first and/or second tab together, the one or more nick portions being severed depending upon the dimension of the article being received.

18. An article spacer structure for a carton comprising at least a first panel and a second panel, the spacer structure comprising a first flap and a second flap, the first flap being hinged along a first edge thereof to the first panel and along a second opposing edge thereof to the second flap, the second flap hinged to the second panel, the first and second flaps being displaceble inwardly of the first and second panels to form the spacer structure between a pair of adjacent articles, the extent of the inward displacement being determined dependent upon the dimension of the pair of adjacent articles.

19. A carton comprising the article spacer structure of claim 18 struck from the first panel and the second panel.

20. The carton according to claim 19 wherein the carton further comprises a third panel opposed to the first panel and a fourth panel opposed to the second panel, the third and fourth panels together with the first and second panels form a tubular structure for receiving a plurality of articles, the carton comprising at least one further article spacer structure struck from the first panel and second panel and at least two article spacer structures struck from the first panel and the fourth panel, the spacer structures struck in part from the second panel being disposed in opposition to those struck in part from the fourth panel, the spacer structures struck in part from the second panel being spaced apart from one another and the spacer structures struck in part from the fourth panel being spaced apart from one another such that each pair of adjacent spacer structure may accommodate an article therebetween.

21 .A carton comprising at least a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected to one another by at least two or more fold lines, which fold lines are spaced apart from one another and define at least one floating panel portion therebetween, wherein the carton is folded about one of the at least two or more fold lines dependent upon the dimensions of the articles to be packaged and wherein the/or each floating panel portion may form part of one of the first and second panels.

22. A carton adapted for packaging articles comprising: the article heel engagement structure of any of claims 1 to 5; and the complementary locking mechanism according to any of claims 9 or 10; and the article receiving structure of any of claims 13 to 15; or the article spacing structure of claim 18, wherein the carton is adaptable to package at least a first article having a first dimension or a second article having a second dimension greater or lesser than the first dimension.

23. A blank for forming a carton according to any preceding claim.